England captain Joe Root has defended his team's performance despite a series of dropped catches during the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. Speaking after the third day's play, Root acknowledged the errors but praised his side's fightback with the ball late in the day.
Australia ended the day on 53 for four, leading by 268 runs, after England were bowled out for 227. Debutant Craig Overton top-scored with 41 not out, while Jimmy Anderson and Chris Woakes took late wickets to give England a glimmer of hope.
Root admitted that England's batting display was poor, with several batsmen playing reckless shots. James Vince edged to slip off the fourth ball of the day, and Root himself fell for nine after a loose drive. The captain said the team needed to show more patience and application.
Despite the setbacks, Root highlighted the positive contributions of Overton and the bowling attack. He also noted that Australia's decision not to enforce the follow-on had given England a chance to fight back.
England trail 1-0 in the five-match series and face an uphill battle to save the second Test. Root remains optimistic, however, and believes his team can learn from their mistakes.
